The struggle of BA post op day 6. Is it normal for the breasts to feel heavy, hard, and stiff?

Question

I had my breast augmentation 6 days ago. Is it normal for the breasts to feel heavy, hard, and stiff? Sometimes i have burning sensations or sharp pain on the side of my boobs. Normal??? I know they are still new but im very paranoid that i will have capsular contracture. How soon can i feel they are part of my body? Right now they are still foreign objects and i feel very uncomfortable. At this point, i question myself if its worth it.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery! At 6 days post-op, it is completely normal for implants to still be high and firm. Burning sensations and pains that come and go are also part of the normal healing process. It usually takes my breast augmentations about 4-6 weeks until the implants are looking great and about 3 months until they are feeling great. This is because the pockets need time to stretch and soften up after surgery. It is also normal for the implants to still feel new and foreign to you but in time they will just become a part of your body and you will forget they are even there! Lots of patients have these same thoughts post-operatively so know you are not alone in feeling this way. I would recommend calling your surgeon's office for some reassurance and to make sure you are on the correct post-op healing schedule according to your surgeon. Best of luck!

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, the symptoms you are describing are common after breast augmentation surgery, and they will usually resolve by 4-6 weeks postop.  However, it is not possible to confirm that your are healing well without a proper assessment, so I would suggest ongoing followup with your plastic surgeon.

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

At only 6 days post-operative it is completely normal for your breasts to feel heavy, hard and stiff.  They also ride high on your chest wall for a few weeks until they drop and soften up.  This can take 3-6 months.  It is also normal to feel like they are not you and question the choice, this too improves with time.  I know it is hard to do, but give it 3-6 months and you will be pleased.  I hope this helps and best wishes.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  At only six days post-op, you are very early on in the healing process and should not worry about what you are experiencing.  Please be sure to continue following the instructions of your operating surgeon moving forward.  All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and everything you are experiencing is considered 'normal'.  The only bad things that can happen is marked swelling and pain on one side (bleeding) and very rarely, infection.  Contractures are unheard of this early.  Best to let your surgeon know of your concerns and anxieties and allow him/her to help you through the recovery process.  It does take some time to accept the implant as part of you but as time passes, that becomes easier and easier to do.

The struggle of BA post op day 6. Is it normal for the breasts to feel heavy, hard, and stiff?

Answers (6)

Answer: Post-op

Answer: Post-op

Answer: Symptoms vary widely as you recovery from augmentation

Answer: Symptoms vary widely as you recovery from augmentation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

The struggle of BA post op day 6. Is it normal for the breasts to feel heavy, hard, and stiff?

Answers (6)

Answer: Post-op

Answer: Post-op

Answer: Symptoms vary widely as you recovery from augmentation

Answer: Symptoms vary widely as you recovery from augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.